Hat With Air Curtain

ABSTRACT

Provided is a hat that creates an air curtain between a wearer and the external environment to prevent contact with contaminants, pathogens, insects, and the like. The device includes a hat with a fan, an air intake, a power switch, a power source, an interior channel, and release points. Air is directed into the hat through the air intake, which then travels through the interior channel towards the release points. The air is compressed and expelled through release points, which are angled downward and away from the wearer. The flow of air creates an air curtain separating the wearer from the external environment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/064,587 filed on Aug. 12, 2020, entitled, “Hat With Air Curtain”. Theabove identified patent application is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hat. More particularly, it pertainsto a hat that creates an air curtain to prevent the wearer from cominginto contact with contaminants, pathogens, insects, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Humans have known for centuries that the inhalation of contaminants cancause disease or death. An early form of protection against suchcontaminants involved covering ones nose and mouth with breathablematerials, such as with a Shemagh or a bandana. Modern forms ofprotection include N-95 masks, which are particulate-filtering masks orrespirators that filter at least 95% of airborne particles.

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the interestin protection from contaminants, such as viruses became a part of dailylife. For example, stores began implementing procedures to enforce“social distancing” policies by placing markers on the floor indicatingwhere to stand, directional arrows to indicate the flow of trafficthrough the store, and the installation of plexiglass shields atcheckouts to better protect cashiers from human-to-human transmission ofpathogens. Additionally, many country, state, and local governmentsrequired the use of masks or face coverings when in public, and someeven advocated for the use of masks when indoors.

Many individuals, however, are unable to wear a mask or face coveringfor an extended period of time or at all. For example, mask use isdiscouraged for individuals that have trouble breathing, or areunconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the facecovering without assistance. Similarly, many individuals have healthconditions that prohibit wearing a face covering. Finally, as is known,long-term use of masks can cause claustrophobia, irritability, andhypoxia.

In addition, while many individuals appreciate the enhanced safetyafforded by face coverings, it also causes individuals to feel selfconscious and emotionless. As an example, when greeting a person, it iscustomary to smile at them. A mask or face covering, however, makes itvirtually impossible to tell if one is smiling or frowning. Afterwearing a face covering for extended periods of time, individuals becomeaccustomed to not being able to read the emotions of others or havingtheir own emotions understood. This causes one to stop smiling orexpressing oneself through ones face, which can lead to psychologicaland emotional issues.

As evidenced above, it is clear that a new means of affording protectionfrom transmission of respiratory droplets with a device that does notcover the face is desirable. Therefore, a need exists for an alternativeto a traditional face covering that affords protection withoutrestricting ones ability to breathe or express oneself through onesface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the current problems that exist withconventional face coverings by providing a hat that creates an aircurtain between a wearer and the external environment. The deviceincludes a hat with a fan, an air intake, a power switch, a powersource, an interior channel, and release points. Air is directed intothe hat through the air intake, which then travels through the interiorchannel towards the release points. The air is compressed and expelledthrough release points that are angled downward and away from thewearer. The flow of air creates an air curtain separating the wearerfrom the exterior environment, thereby affording protection againstcontaminants, pathogens, insects, and the like.

The present invention substantially diverges from the devices that areknown and disclosed in the prior art and consequently it is clear thatthere is a need in the art for an improvement to existing facecoverings. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfillsthese needs.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types offace coverings now present in the prior art, the present inventionprovides a hat that creates an air curtain, wherein the same can beutilized for preventing the spread of contaminants, pathogens, and thelike between individuals.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved hat that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none ofthe disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hat thatcreates an air curtain between a wearer and individuals in the wearer'sproximity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hat thatprovides protection from contaminants while not covering the mouth of awearer.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hat thatresembles a traditional safari hat with a dome shaped top and a widebrim.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hat thatprovides complete protection from the elements and an air curtain thatcompletely surrounds the head of the user.

A final object of the present invention is to provide an air curtain hatthat can be operated via an on-off switch, a preprogrammed timer, amotion sensor system, a remote control, a computer or smartphoneapplication.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a view of a hat comprising a fan, an air intake, a powerswitch, a power source, an interior channel, and release points.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a hat drawing air through the air intake,through the interior channel, and out the release points.

FIG. 3A shows an overhead view of a hat comprising a fan, an air intake,a power switch, and a power source.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of a hat comprising a fan, an air intake, apower switch, and a power source.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a hat comprising a fan, a power switch, anda power source in use and creating an air shield.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a hat comprising a fan, a power switch, anda power source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the cashier station shield. For the purposes of presenting abrief and clear description of the present invention, the preferredembodiment will be discussed as used as a hat that creates an aircurtain between a wearer and individuals in the wearer's proximity. Thefigures are intended for representative purposes only and should not beconsidered to be limiting in any respect.

Definition

An “air curtain” is an invisible and continuously blown curtain of airthat creates a barrier or shield. The air curtain diverts airbornehazards, including insects, contaminants, particles, pathogens, andrespiratory droplets away from a location. Air curtains are recommendedby the FDA as an effective means of protection from airborne hazards, asenumerated in Food Code 6-202.15(D)(2). As described herein, air shieldsprevent insects, contaminants, pathogens, and the like that are expelledfrom the mouth or nose of a person from being spread from one person toanother.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of a hat 101 comprising afan 102, an air intake 103, a power switch 104, a power source 105, aninterior channel 106, and release points 107. In a non-limiting example,the hat 101 can resemble a traditional safari hat that includes a domeshaped top 108 and a wide brim 109 that extends thereabout. The brim 109extends 360 degrees around the dome shaped top 108, which provides thetwo-fold advantage of complete protection from the elements and an aircurtain that completely surrounds the head of the user, which will bediscussed in greater detail below. The top of the hat 101 includes anair intake/filter 103 comprising a series of slots 110. As can beappreciated, air is drawn into the intake 103 through the slots 110 andis filtered in order to prevent large particulates from entering intothe system and potentially causing damage thereto. The intake/filter 103additionally cleans the air that is released from the device to createthe air curtain. As an example, the intake/filter 103 can be constructedof an N95 or similar material to remove particulates therefrom. In thepreferred embodiment, the air is drawn into the intake/filter 103 via aconventional 12-volt fan 102. The fan 102 is operated by an on/offswitch 104 that activates and deactivates the fan 102.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of a hat 101 drawingair 201 through the intake/filter 103, through the interior channel 106,and out the release points 107. The fan 102 draws air 201 through theintake/filter 103 and into the interior channel 106. The interiorchannel 106 comprises a first and a second dome 202, 203 with a space204 therebetween, and a first and a second brim 205, 206 with a space207 therebetween. Air 201 is forced through the interior channel 106 andis compressed, wherein it is expelled through the release points 107.The release points 107 comprise a series of openings at the distal endof the brim 109 that are angled downward. Air 201 is forced through therelease points 107 to create an air curtain 209 that surrounds the headof the user.

The fan 102 can additionally include a means of filtering or purifyingthe air prior to its entering the interior channel 106. In oneembodiment, the fan 102 includes one or more of an air scrubberfiltration system, such as a HEPA filter or an ultraviolet sterilizer.Any known means for filtering and/or purifying the air can be utilizedwith the fan.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, there is shown an overhead view of a hat 101comprising a fan 102, an air intake 103, a power switch 104, and a powersource 105. The top of the hat 101 includes a power switch 104. In thepreferred embodiment, the power switch 104 comprises a conventionaltoggle that can be moved to an “on” position or an “off” position.Alternately, the power switch 104 can be a push button or another typeof conventional power switch 104 that is known in the art. The powerswitch 104 activates the fan 102 to draw air into the hat 101 to createthe air curtain.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, there is shown a side view of a hat 101comprising a motion sensor 301. In an alternate embodiment, the fan 102as best viewed in FIG. 3A can be activated via a motion detector 301. Inthis embodiment, the fan 102 is automatically powered when motion isdetected. As an example, when the user picks up the hat 101 to place iton his head, the motion detector senses 301 the movement and activatesthe fan 102. The fan 102 can continue running for a set length of timeif motion is no longer detected. As can be appreciated, ones head isconstantly in motion, and as such the fan 102 will continuously rununtil the hat is removed for nonuse or storage. Alternately, the devicecan be powered by a combination on/off switch and a motion detector 301,with the user having the ability to select his desired mode ofoperation. The fan 102 can operate via a preprogrammed timer, a motionsensor system, a remote control, a computer or smartphone application

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a side view of a hat 101comprising a fan 102, a power switch 104, and a power source 105 in useand creating an air curtain 209. Air 201 is forced through the interiorchannel 106 as shown in FIG. 1, and is compressed, wherein it isexpelled through the release points 107 at the distal end of the brim109 that are angled downward to create an air curtain 209 that surroundsthe head of the user. The air curtain 209 is an invisible andcontinuously blown curtain of air that creates a barrier or shield. Theair curtain 209 diverts airborne hazards, including insects,contaminants, particles, pathogens, and respiratory droplets away from alocation.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a side view of a hat 101comprising a fan 102, a power switch 104, and a power source 105. Thepower source 105 for the hat can utilize conventional batteries,including standard size AA or AAA alkaline, lithium, or rechargeables.Alternately, the hat 101 can be powered by a rechargeable lithiumbattery pack, such as those found in a smartphone. The lithium pack canbe user replaceable or can be integrated into the device such that it isnot user replaceable. Alternately, the hat 101 can be powered by abuilt-in solar panel 501 affixed to the dome shaped top 108. The solarpanel 501 can provide full or supplemental energy to the hat, therebylessening the need for constant charging or replacement of batteries.

The power source 105 and solar panel 501 can alternately be positionedon the side of the dome. Alternately, the power source 105 can beintegrated into the brim 109 for a more aesthetically pleasing look. Thesolar panel 501 can be positioned anywhere on the exterior of the hat101, including on the top of the dome shaped top 108 surrounding the airintake, between the dome 109 and the brim 108, and along the uppersurface of the brim 108. As can be appreciated, the solar panel 501 issubstantially facing upwards in order to collect energy from the sun inorder to power the fan 102.

While an embodiment of the inventive hat is shown as a safari hat with abrim and dome, any type of hat can be utilized with the system disclosedherein. The inventive system can be utilized with a baseball style hat,a top hat, a jungle hat, or any other style of hat that is known.

Overall, the present invention provides a new and improved device forcreating an air curtain between a customer and a retailer at a cashierstation. The device creates an air curtain to prevent the exchange ofcontaminants, pathogens, and respiratory droplets produced by thecustomer or retailer from being passed from one person to another.Additionally, the device permits the exchange of goods between customerand retailer without the need for maneuvering around a plexiglassbarrier. The device can be retrofitted for use with existing cashierstations, and can be quickly installed and removed as required. This inturn provides a cost effective and simple solution to increase safetyfor customers and employees.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim: 1) A hat comprising: a fan, an air intake, a power switch, apower source, an interior channel, and a plurality of release points;wherein said fan causes air to travel through said air intake, saidinterior channel, and out said plurality of said release points tocreate an air curtain comprising an invisible and continuously blowncurtain of air that creates a barrier or shield surrounding a user whenwearing said hat. 2) The device of claim 1, wherein said hat comprises abrim and a dome. 3) The device of claim 2, wherein said brim extends 360degrees around said dome. 4) The device of claim 1, wherein said airintake comprises an air filter. 5) The device of claim 1, wherein saidinterior channel comprises a first and a second dome with a spacetherebetween. 6) The device of claim 1, wherein said brim comprises afirst and a second brim with a space therebetween. 7) The device ofclaim 1, wherein said release points comprise a series of openings thatare angled downward at a distal end of said brim. 8) The device of claim1, wherein said said fan operates via an on-off switch, a preprogrammedtimer, a motion sensor system, a remote control, a computer orsmartphone application. 9) The device of claim 1, wherein said fanoperates via a motion sensor system. 10) The device of claim 1, whereinsaid power source comprises conventional batteries, rechargeablebatteries, or a solar panel. 11) The device of claim 1, wherein said hatcomprises a baseball style hat, a top hat, or a jungle hat. 12) A hatcomprising: a fan; an air intake; a power switch; a power source; aninterior channel comprising a first and a second dome with a spacetherebetween; a brim comprising a first and a second brim with a spacetherebetween; and a plurality of release points comprising a series ofopenings that are angled downward at a distal end of said brim; whereinsaid fan causes air to travel through said air intake, said interiorchannel, and out said plurality of said release points to create an aircurtain comprising an invisible and continuously blown curtain of airthat creates a barrier or shield surrounding a user when wearing saidhat. 13) The device of claim 12, wherein said hat comprises a brim and adome. 14) The device of claim 13, wherein said brim extends 360 degreesaround said dome. 15) The device of claim 12, wherein said air intakecomprises an air filter. 16) The device of claim 12, wherein said saidfan operates via an on-off switch, a preprogrammed timer, a motionsensor system, a remote control, a computer or smartphone application.17) The device of claim 12, wherein said fan operates via a motionsensor system. 18) The device of claim 12, wherein said power sourcecomprises conventional batteries, rechargeable batteries, or a solarpanel. 19) The device of claim 12, wherein said hat comprises a baseballstyle hat, a top hat, or a jungle hat.